Thurles Halloween Arts Festival 2014 Line-Up

The 7th annual Thurles week-long Halloween Arts Festival begins in 7 days time from October 24th to October 31st 2014 inclusive.
Once again this year there is a wonderful festival line up, with some of the best national and international acts (All now fully confirmed) performing in our midst this year.

A continued policy of Thurles community participation is very much evident once again and with so many different forms of ‘The Arts’ taking place here in Thurles this year, both local and an anticipated large turnout of visiting public will most definitely find something for each and everyone, in this year’s diverse programme of major events.

Daily Programme of Events for Thurles Halloween Arts Festival 2014

Friday 24th October

ART – “Art Exhibition.”VENUE: Cabragh Wetlands. TIME: Each Day of the Festival period – 10.00am to 5.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Exhibition by Artist Michael Fogarty whose work is mainly inspired by the Irish countryside. Artist will be in residence each afternoon during the festival.

BOOK LAUNCH – “Rights of Succession.”VENUE: Cabragh Wetlands. TIME: 7.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
The book, a tale of early 19th century family intrigue by author Michael Fogarty will see the author on hand to sign copies of his new book.

DRAMA – “In Acting Shakespeare” – Written by and starring James DeVita. VENUE: Source Arts Centre. TIME: 8.00pm. ADMISSION: €18/€16 (concession).“In Acting Shakespeare” expect a funny, touching and uplifting story of one man’s discovery of Shakespeare, acting and language. This is a show for anyone interested in Shakespeare or theatre. The show is followed by Q&A session with James DeVita.

Music – “Whistle This,”VENUE: Bowes Pub. TIME: 9.30pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
A night of culture and music with some of the Premier County’s finest singer song writers, poets and musicians in an intimate atmosphere.

MUSIC – “CLEM O’ BRIEN BLUEGRASS BAND.”VENUE: Bowes Pub. TIME: 10.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Truly one of Ireland’s finest Bluegrass musicians, Clem O’Brien; brings his unique band to Thurles for a special performance not to be missed.

Saturday 25th October

MUSIC, FOOD & CRAFT – “SCARE IN THE SQUARE.”VENUE: Liberty Square. TIME: 12.00 noon to 4.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Come join us for live music, food & craft stalls, Street Entertainment, Funfair Rides and much more, as we transform Liberty square into a Halloween “Scare in the Square,” occasion. Note: This year we will be having a Halloween Scarecrow Trail around Thurles town. With the help of ‘Thurles Mens Shed’; over 25 Scarecrows will be put on display around the streets of Thurles during the duration of this years festival. We hope to grow this into a major event going forward and we hope you enjoy the creative skills of the volunteers who created these pieces of scary art.

LITERATURE – “Poetry in the Making.” VENUE: Source Arts Centre. TIME: 3.00pm to 5.00pm. ADMISSION: €20.00.
This poetry workshop, run by poet Enda Wyley, is suitable for emerging poets. It aims to celebrate the power of poetry and the making of it. Participants will be encouraged to create new work of their own and to enjoy poetry by established poets, including the work of Thurles poet Dennis O’Driscoll. (Limited capacity – early booking advised. Please book directly through the Box Office on 0504/90204.)

LITERATURE – “A Public Interview with John Kelly.”VENUE: Source Arts Centre. TIME: 7.00pm. ADMISSION: €10.00.
In memory of Thurles poet Dennis O’Driscoll. For many years John Kelly has been at the forefront of music and arts broadcasting in Ireland. Having presented ‘The View’ on RTÉ television for 12 seasons, and assorted programmes for BBC NI before that, John now heads up RTÉ Television’s brand new arts show ‘The Works.’ Known for his wide-ranging knowledge of music he has also presented some of the best-loved and most critically acclaimed music programmes on the Irish airwaves. From his shows on the BBC to the legendary ‘Eclectic Ballroom’ on Today FM and the award-winning ‘Mystery Train’ on RTÉ1, he has always put the music first. He currently broadcasts the ‘John Kelly Ensemble’ on RTÉ Lyric FM and ‘Radio Clash’ on RTÉ Digital Radio 2XM.

WORKSHOP – “Halloween Art and Craft Workshop.”VENUE: Bookworm, Parnell Street, Thurles. TIME: 11.00am – 5.00pm. ADMISSION: €5.00 per person.
Get in the Halloween spirit, come and get creative; experience the make construction of some Halloween arts and crafts. Each workshops begin on the hour and last for 50 minutes. Note: Please book in advance – Tel: 0504/22257.

COMEDY – “TOM O’ MAHONY & GUESTS.”VENUE: County Bar, Liberty Square. TIME: 10.00pm sharp. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Dubbed by the critics as a ‘Bad-ass of Irish comedy’ Tom starred alongside the legendary and late, great Rik Mayall on RTE’s hit comedy Damo & Ivor in 2013 and made his return in Season 2 (alongside Snatch’s Alan Ford) reprising his role as the intolerable toff ‘Tarquin.’ A finalist in RTE’s 2013 New Comedy Awards, this lad has starred in several TV adverts, (typically playing someone you wouldn’t like). In 2014 Tom played support to Nina Conti at the Cork Opera House and also Police Academy’s Michael Winslow on a nationwide tour. Playing the country’s biggest festivals, Tom supported the brilliant Stewart Francis at this year’s Vodafone Comedy Festival in Dublin. This year saw another sell-out solo show of Tom’s, “Bring on The Apocalypse” in theatres nationwide and at the Edinburgh Fringe. Tom has a weekly radio slot on Spin103.8 entitled “Mantime,” where he discusses the failings of modern blokes and how they can redeem themselves (There are a lot of stanley-knives and hammers).

Sunday 26th October

TOURS & TALKS – “Cabragh Wetlands Trust Open Day.”VENUE: Cabragh Wetlands. TIME: 11.00am to 4.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Cabragh Wetlands invite the public of Thurles and Tipperary to an all day open event. There will be a ‘Walk and Talk’ at 11.30am which will be repeated at 2.30pm, led by volunteers and environmental experts. Find out about their work in conservation and education, and their plans for the future. Take this opportunity to view their exciting new building, have a guided walk around the wetlands or wander around at your own pace, see what they do and join them for a cup of tea. All are welcome.

MUSIC – “Flamenco Guitarist John Walsh.”VENUE: Anner Hotel. TIME: 4.00pm. ADMISSION: €5.00.
John Walsh is Ireland’s leading Flamenco Guitarist and an accomplished musician and composer, performing solo since 2006. Along with performing concerts throughout Ireland together with venues in Spain and the UK, he has performed in one of the most historically important flamenco venue’s ‘El Candela’ in Madrid, as well as being the invited International Artist for the 2014 Flamenco Festival “Flamenco de Consuegra”.

PARTY– “FANCY DRESS PARTY.”VENUE: Thurles Rugby Club. TIME: 10.00pm till Late. ADMISSION: €15.00.
Thurles Rugby Club presents its annual Halloween Fancy Dress Party with live music and disco. This event is one of the highlights of the year in Thurles and we would encourage those attending to purchase your ticket as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Tickets available from Hickey’s Pub or any Rugby Club Member.

Monday 27th October

FAMILY SHOW – “Halloween Trick or Treat Party.”VENUE: Anner Hotel. TIME: 2.30pm to 4.30pm. ADMISSION: €5.00 per child & €2.00 per adult.
This annual children’s party returns with all the usual favourites. Dress up in your favourite Halloween costume and let your child enjoy a wonderful and safe spooky party. Event includes: Party food and drink, Party music & games, Barney, Bob the Builder, Peppa Pig and Friends show, Magic show, Balloon Modelling and Face painting.

Tuesday 28th October

WRITERS – “A Writers Covert.”VENUE: Anner Hotel. TIME: 8.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge
Writers from across Tipperary’s many regular writing groups will get together to read their own compositions and well-known writers works. This event is open to the general public, so do feel free to bring along your own work and join in. Note: Refreshments will be served.

WW1 COMMEMORATION – “Ecumenical Thurles WW1 Memorial Service of Remembrance.”VENUE: St Mary’s Church, Thurles. TIME: 7.30pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge, however a collection will be made during the Service with proceeds going to the St Mary’s War Museum. (Latter presently under re-construction and due to be reopened as a local tourist attraction on May 1st 2015 next.)
The Great War of 1914-1918 was so terrible and inflicted such large numbers of casualties on all sides that when it was over it was believed by many to be “The War to end all Wars”. Alas, by the end of four years of fighting from August 1914 to November 1918 many thousands of families around the world including some 72 households from Thurles were affected by this tragedy, through the wounding or loss of life of at least one of their family members.
The ceremony will begin with the naming of all 72 known Thurles WW1 soldiers who lost their lives.
Church music for this event is being provided by renowned local pianist M/s Mary Rose McNally, with special guests; music composer and much-loved Folk Singer M/s Nora Fogarty and Retd and former Aide de camp to H.E. the President of Ireland and Co Galway native, Commandant Michael Walsh, latter who will also give the commemorative address.
The remembrance service will be conducted in St Mary’s Church by the Rector Rev. Ian Coulter and will be followed by a rare display of local primary source artefacts pertinent to Tipperary participants in this Great War of 1914-1918.

Wednesday 29th October

BOOK LAUNCH – “In a Quaint Irish Town.”VENUE: Source Arts Centre and Cabragh Wetlands. TIME: Source 11.00am – Wetlands 7.30pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge to both venues.
Local author Bill Cooke launches his novel, latter set in a small Irish town in 1954 and laced throughout with humour, intrigue and a hint of romance.

WORKSHOP – “Wood Carving and Burning Workshop.”VENUE: Bookworm, Parnell Street, Thurles. TIME: 12.00 noon to 1.00pm. ADMISSION: €5 per person.
Create your own beautiful sign or plaque by designing and burning the wood. Note: All materials supplied and suitable for the ages of 10 years and over.

ENTERTAINMENT – “Thurles’ Got Talent.”VENUE: Source Centre, TIME: 7.00pm. ADMISSION: €7/€5 concession./€16 Family of Four persons.
After the huge success of last year, Thurles Community Association is once again hosting the annual ‘Thurles Got Talent Competition.’ It is open to young people between the ages of 8 and 18 years. A €150 cash prize is up for grabs.

Thursday 30th October

WORKSHOP – “Art and Craft.” VENUE: Bookworm, Parnell Street, Thurles. TIME: 2.00pm to 3.00pm. ADMISSION: €5 per person.
Get creative and make your own Halloween crafts to decorate your home this Halloween. Note: All materials supplied.

MUSIC – “Welcome to My World.”VENUE: Source Centre, TIME: 8.00pm. ADMISSION: €25.00.
Al Grant has established himself as one of the biggest attractions on the Irish and U.K. concert scene, and his many Irish fans are eagerly looking forward to his forthcoming 2014 Irish Tour. This year is the 50th Anniversary of the death of the great Jim Reeves, and Al presents a unique insight into the ‘Life and Music of Jim Reeves.’ With narration and video screen footage it will be an evening of song and story, celebrating one of the biggest singing stars from across the Atlantic. Renowned for his classic interpretation of Jim Reeves songs with unerring similarity to the voice of the ‘Great Man,’ this promises to be one of the concerts of the year. Al is backed by a band which includes some of Ireland’s finest musicians and special guest on the night is Isla Grant who makes a welcome return here to Tipperary.

FILM – “Dr Jekyll & MR Hyde.”VENUE: The Monks, Mitchel Street. TIME: 9.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
The classic and original 1931 black & white film “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” will be a night to remember for all of you horror film lovers.

Friday 31st October

STORY TELLING – “Eilifint sa Zú.”VENUE: Toy Shop, Friar Street, Thurles. TIME: 12.00 noon. ADMISSION: €5 per person.
Target Age Group: 3-5 years accompanied by family members. Venue space allowing for 15 children and their attendant adults. Duration 30-40 minutes. The performer begins by illustrating the baby elephants recent arrival in the zoo before introducing the idea that at night the grown up elephants might tell the baby elephants stories to help them go to sleep. Using, drawing, simple paper sets, puppets and masks the performer tells and enacts the story of ‘The Mice and The Elephants.’